LightBurn Basics

Applies to: All CO2 machines

This guide introduces the basic features of LightBurn, the software used to design, edit and run jobs on your laser. For more, see the LightBurn FAQ, the LightBurn forum and the LightBurn tutorials.

What you need

• Computer with macOS or Windows, and Wi-Fi
• Internet connection
• LightBurn license key
• USB thumb drive (attached to the ignition keys of the machine)
• USB cable

Design tools

Shape tools

• Click a shape icon in the toolbar, then click and drag on the workspace to draw the shape.
• Change its size, position and rotation with the toolbar or the properties window.

Text tool

• Select the text tool in the toolbar, click on the workspace to create a text box, and type.
• Change the font, font size, alignment and more with the toolbar or the properties window.

Image import

• Choose the image import tool in the toolbar, select your image file and open it to place it on the workspace.
• Resize, rotate and position it with the toolbar.

Layers and groups

• Organize your designs with layers and groups.
• Create, rename and reorder them from the toolbar or the layers window.
• Use layers to separate elements, and groups to combine several elements into one.

Node editing

• Select the node editing tool in the toolbar and click a shape or path to select it. Then move its nodes and control points to change the shape of a vector.
• Add, delete or move nodes to make custom shapes and paths.

Vector and raster graphics

The difference

• Vector graphics are made of mathematically defined shapes and lines. They scale to any size without losing quality. Examples are logos, text and simple shapes. The most common vector file types are AI, CDR and SVG.
• Raster graphics are made of a grid of pixels, each with its own color value. They depend on resolution and may lose quality when scaled up. Examples are photographs and detailed artwork. The most common raster file types are JPG, GIF, PNG, TIF, BMP and PSD.
• EPS and PDF files can hold either. The software that created the file decides whether it is a raster or a vector.
• An AEON Laser (Ruida) controller can only read and run files formatted as a vector or as G-code.

Working with vector graphics

• Create vector graphics in LightBurn with the shape tools or the text tool.
• Convert a raster graphic into a vector with the Trace feature.
• Vectors are ideal for cutting outlines, engraving text and making precise shapes that stay clear at any scale.
• Adjust properties such as stroke color, fill color and line thickness with the toolbar or the properties window.

Working with raster graphics

• Bring in photographs or detailed artwork with the image import tool.
• Rasters suit engraving detailed images or adding texture to a project.
• LightBurn can adjust brightness, contrast and dithering to get the engraving effect you want. These graphics often need work in outside photo editing software first to reach a usable quality.

Combining vector and raster graphics

You can combine vector and raster elements in the same project. For example, use vector shapes as outlines for cutting, and add raster images to engrave inside those shapes.

Optimizing your workflow

Vector graphics are typically used for both engraving and cutting. Raster graphics that have not been converted are used only for high-detail engraving. LightBurn has separate settings for vector and raster operations, so you can set speed, power and resolution for each.

• Material settings. LightBurn includes presets for different operations, which simplify setting cutting and engraving parameters. You reach them from a dedicated menu or window for material settings.
• Preview mode. Preview a project in LightBurn before you send it to the laser, to check that everything looks as intended.
• Camera support. LightBurn supports cameras for aligning designs precisely with materials. See LightBurn Camera Setup.
• G-code support. LightBurn can import and edit G-code files.

The workspace

Main menu bar

The menu bar gives access to the functions and settings in LightBurn, through these menus:

Toolbar

The toolbar holds icons for commonly used tools and actions, including the selection, shape and text tools and the zoom controls.

Workspace area

The central area is where you design and edit laser projects. The grid represents the laser bed, for accurate positioning.

Windows

Several windows give access to settings and controls. The most common are the Layers, Cuts / Layers and Laser windows.

Layers and Cuts / Layers window

Use this window to organize and manage the elements of a project.

• Speed and Power. How fast the laser moves and how much power it uses. Adjust both for the material and the result you want.
• Lines per Inch (LPI). The number of lines or dots engraved within one inch of the surface. Higher values typically give finer detail and smoother gradations. Line Interval changes with this value.
• Mode. The output style of the layer. Line and Fill are the common modes. In Line mode, the laser follows the vector lines of the design, which suits cutting or scoring. In Fill mode, the laser moves back and forth to cover filled areas with closely spaced lines, which suits engraving solid areas.
• Air Assist. Switches the solenoid of the machine between the internal air compressor (air assist off) and an external air compressor (air assist on).
• Output. Sets whether the selected layer runs when the job is sent to the machine.
• Show. Sets whether the layer is displayed in LightBurn.

Laser window

• Devices. Sets how LightBurn communicates with the machine, the bed dimensions in the software and other settings made at the factory.
• Start From. Sets the starting point for the laser on the workpiece. User Origin runs the file from a starting point you choose with the ORIGIN button on the keypad. It is the most commonly used option and the least prone to errors and crashes. Absolute Coords runs the job where it is placed in LightBurn. The main workspace corresponds to the bed, so a file in the center of the workspace runs in the center of the bed. The LightBurn camera always uses Absolute Coords.
• Job Origin. Sets the start point used when framing the job on the machine.
• Send. Transfers the design to the machine. Always send files to the machine and start the job from the keypad.
• Frame. Traces the outer perimeter of the design on the machine without firing the laser tube, so you can check position and size.
• Cut Selected Graphics and Use Selection Origin. With Cut Selected Graphics on, only the layers you have selected are sent to the machine. Use Selection Origin sets the user origin in reference to the selected layer, instead of all the layers in the workspace.
• Optimization settings. These adjust how the laser runs the job. They can shorten job time, cut unnecessary movement and change the order in which layers run.

Properties (Adjust Image) window

Adjust the attributes of selected objects, such as position and size. It is commonly used for photorealistic engraving.

Status bar

Shows the coordinates of the mouse cursor, the zoom level and the connection status of the laser.

Preview window

Shows your design before you engrave or cut. Open it with the Preview button.

Help and documentation

Resources for learning LightBurn are in the Help menu and on the LightBurn website.

Run a project in LightBurn

1. Create a new project. Open LightBurn and click File, then New.

2. Design your project. Draw shapes, import images and add text, and arrange them in the workspace. Set the cutting and engraving parameters, such as speed, power and mode, as you build the file.

3. Preview your project. Click the Preview button or press the spacebar. Review how the design will run, and adjust settings if needed.

4. Send your project to the machine. Make sure the laser is connected and ready, then click Send.

5. Run your project. Start the job on the machine, and monitor it as it runs. When it finishes, remove your project from the laser.